gotomypc.exe

GoToMyPC Remote Access Client

Application ProcessSafeRemote Access

CPU Usage

2-15%

Memory

100-300 MB

Location

Program Files\GoToMyPC

Publisher

GoTo

Quick Answer

gotomypc.exe is safe. It's the official GoToMyPC client that connects you to remote hosts; it runs in the background during an active remote session and uses encryption for data security.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in Program Files\GoToMyPC\gotomypc.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Each remote session can spawn a separate gotomypc process

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close the client or disable startup to stop new sessions

What is gotomypc.exe?

gotomypc.exe is the GoToMyPC remote access client that runs on your PC to establish and maintain secure connections with remote hosts. It authenticates with the GoToMyPC service, negotiates a session, and streams the remote desktop to your screen. It may run in the background to support active sessions.

It creates a secure, authenticated channel between your computer and a remote host, using TLS to protect data and a relay to stream the desktop, keyboard, and mouse input. The client runs in the background to support active GoToMyPC sessions.

Quick Fact: GoToMyPC pioneered remote access with a lightweight, multi-process client that keeps sessions responsive and secure.

Types of GoToMyPC Processes

Client Process: Main gotomypc.exe that starts the session UI and handles authentication
Session Renderer: Renders the remote desktop stream to your screen
Background Service: Maintains the relay and keep-alive for remote connections
Helper Process: Supports keyboard/mouse input translation and local tasks
Update/Updater: Checks for and applies GoToMyPC client updates
Telemetry/Logger: Collects lightweight usage data for diagnostics

Is gotomypc.exe Safe?

Yes, gotomypc.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from GoToMyPC downloaded from the official website or a trusted enterprise distribution. Ensure the signer matches 'GoTo' or 'GoTo LLC'.

Is gotomypc.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real gotomypc.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may disguise itself with similar names. Verify the source and signature to stay protected.

How to Tell if gotomypc.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\GoToMyPC\gotomypc.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\GoToMyPC\gotomypc.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer 'GoTo' or 'GoTo LLC'.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per session, 100-300 MB total memory. Persistent high usage outside a session is suspicious.
Behavior: GoToMyPC should run only during an active remote session or when you explicitly start the client.

Red Flags: If gotomypc.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when you aren't using remote sessions, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus software and IT support.

Why Is gotomypc.exe Running on My PC?

gotomypc.exe runs to maintain remote access capabilities and respond to remote host actions. It may stay active even when you are not actively remote-controlling a host if the client is configured to keep sessions alive.

Reasons it's running:

Active Remote Sessions: You are connected to a GoToMyPC host or have an active session in progress.
Background Keep-Alive: The client maintains a keep-alive channel to prevent disconnects and allow quick reconnects.
Automatic Startup: GoToMyPC is configured to launch at Windows startup to support enterprise reconnects.
Background Services: Helper services manage relay, port forwarding, and input handling for remote access.
Scheduled Tasks: Remote access tasks or IT policies may trigger the client to start on a schedule.

Can I Disable or Remove gotomypc.exe?

Yes, you can disable gotomypc.exe. It's safe to close or uninstall if you no longer need remote access. For business deployments, adjust startup and policy settings instead of removing the core client.

How to Stop gotomypc.exe

End Active Sessions: In the GoToMyPC client, end individual remote sessions or use the 'Disconnect' option.
Quit the Client: Close the GoToMyPC window or use Exit from the tray icon.
Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable GoToMyPC.
Limit Background Apps: Go to Settings → System → 'Continue running background apps when GoToMyPC is closed' and disable if needed.

How to Uninstall GoToMyPC

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → GoToMyPC → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → GoToMyPC → Uninstall
✔ Reboot the computer after uninstallation
✔ Consider alternative remote access tools if needed

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If gotomypc.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Sessions or Keep-Alive: Close idle remote sessions or adjust keep-alive settings in the GoToMyPC client.
Resource-Heavy Remote Desktop: Reduce active resolution or frame rate in the session settings to lower bandwidth and CPU load.
Background Services: Disable unnecessary GoToMyPC background components in settings or via enterprise policy.
Outdated Client: Update to the latest GoToMyPC client from the official site.
Malicious Extensions: Only use official plugins; disable any unknown add-ons.
Hardware Acceleration Issues: Disable hardware acceleration: Settings → System → 'Use hardware acceleration when available'.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open GoToMyPC Task Manager in the client to identify high-usage sessions
2. Adjust session settings to reduce resource use
3. Update to the latest GoToMyPC client
4. Disable unnecessary background features
5. Restart the client if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gotomypc.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate gotomypc.exe from GoToMyPC is not a virus. Verify the file path and digital signature: C:\Program Files\GoToMyPC\gotomypc.exe and signer should be GoTo.

Why is gotomypc.exe using so much CPU?

CPU usage spikes can occur during active remote sessions or when sessions auto-refresh. Use the GoToMyPC Task Manager to identify the culprit and reduce video quality or close idle sessions.

Can I delete gotomypc.exe?

You can uninstall GoToMyPC via Settings > Apps, but this will remove remote access to hosts. Back up any configurations if needed.

Can I disable gotomypc.exe?

Yes. Exit the client or disable startup in Task Manager. For enterprise deployments, use policy settings to control background execution.

Why does GoToMyPC start with Windows?

GoToMyPC may be configured to start on boot to re-establish remote access after login. Disable in Task Manager → Startup if you don't want automatic reconnects.

Why are there multiple gotomypc.exe processes?

GoToMyPC uses a multi-process model for sessions, keeping the UI, renderer, and background tasks isolated. You can see details in the client Task Manager.